Ryan Gravenberch emerged from the summer season break as a modified man.
There have been ideas the Dutch worldwide would wilt following the arrival of latest head coach Arne Slot, although the 22-year-old as a substitute rose to the problem.
The truth that he’s arguably been Liverpool’s most spectacular performer this time period is much more exceptional after a summer season of continuous hypothesis and experiences concerning the Reds’ curiosity in Martin Zbuimendi.
Arne Slot did initially have doubts over Ryan Gravenberch
That’s to not counsel that Jurgen Klopp’s successor had completely zero doubts over the 2023 summer season signing when taking over his new function at Anfield.
Gravenberch’s qualities are clear to see for all, however the 46-year-old did admit he had considerations over ‘how he would defend himself’.
“I feel you want extra good gamers at a high membership with this scheme. However when did that first happen in my head? (to play Gravenberch) Nicely, with the dearth of a participant in that place who has his qualities, we tried him out in that place,” the previous Feyenoord boss informed Viaplay.
“And what are his qualities in my expertise? Very snug with the ball. When he’s within the cowl, he can flip away. Loses only a few balls on the whole. Is superb at shifting the sport from again to entrance. Strikes very simply. So, he can even create a bonus by turning away.
“The one factor I had some doubts about was how he would defend himself. However I additionally noticed that in case you have his strengths and also you be sure to can stroll effectively, and the staff may be very effectively structured, then the person usually appears higher.”
The stats counsel Liverpool have completely nothing to fret about in the case of the midfielder’s defensive contributions.
Our No.38 tops the charts amongst his teammates for interceptions (19), recoveries (61), and duels received (48), in keeping with information shared by Opta (through The Occasions).
Add on high of his obvious sturdiness – having solely missed 17 video games to harm because the 2021/22 season – and the £34.2m paid to Bayern Munich in 2023 is more and more trying fairly the snip.